Rob Brooks

Legendary Bikes: Harley-Davidson XA

Posted by Rob Brooks | Jan 12, 2023 | Legendary Bikes |

The first time I ever laid eyes on a Harley-Davidson XA was at my friend John Landstrom’s establishment, Blue Moon Cycle, about 7-8 years ago. John has a vast array of historic North American and European motorcycles in his collection/museum, and when I came across the XA in his World War II display, I wasn’t quite sure what I was looking at. Is it a Harley? Or a BMW? Maybe a Ural knockoff of a BMW, in Allied livery? I was so confused. John proceeded to share with me a bit of the history of the XA model, and I was intrigued, being a history buff. This was a piece of Harley history I was unaware of. I later encountered one at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, and knew one day we’d have to tell its story.

Riding Into The New Year

Posted by Rob Brooks | Jan 2, 2023 | Ride Life, Rides & Roads |

Sometimes, a motorcycle ride is not only enjoyable but therapeutic, even deeply soul satisfying. Such was the ride I took by myself on January 1, 2023, New Years Day. The perfect way to bid farewell to 2022, and welcome 2023. I needed it.

Motorcycle Gear: REV’IT! Backpacks

Posted by Rob Brooks | Dec 7, 2022 | Bikes & Gear |

Quality motorcycling luggage, whether traveling across a continent or across town, is an absolute essential for us riders. Durable, weather-proof, and adjustable gear for the road that doesn’t compromise comfort and safety, at an affordable price point, are all tall orders for moto gear manufacturers. Stores and online catalogs are full of cheaply priced (and cheaply made) pack gear that might fit the budget and fill the need for a season or two, but with no guarantees of longevity. I’ve personally experienced gear failures on road trips, a couple of which could have landed me on the pavement and in the hospital. Trustworthy gear is absolutely critical.

To Give Is To Gain

Posted by Rob Brooks | Dec 5, 2022 | Ride Life, Rides & Roads |

Motorcyclists are a generous lot, giving of our time, talents and resources to worthy causes, year-round. During the Christmas season, however, “Biker Goodwill” ramps up even more, with charity rides and events dotting the landscape and nearly every day until the new year. We especially love children’s causes, whether it be for underprivileged boys and girls, kids with severe illnesses, or recent loss and orphaned children. Those definitely tug at our heartstrings. Beneath the leather and loud pipes, we are softies for serving those in need around us.

Honda Revives the Transalp

Posted by Rob Brooks | Nov 30, 2022 | Bikes & Gear |

Back in the summer I was visiting my friend Barry, the sales manager at Cycle World of Athens, discussing our time with the Yamaha Tenere 700. “This bike is so popular with the ADV crowd, do you think Honda will respond with a mid-size Africa Twin?” I asked. Barry responded, “Not that we’ve caught wind of yet, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see them bring back the old Transalp in this size.” I had not thought of that model in quite some time, but it turns out Barry was prophetic in his proclamation. Honda has indeed reintroduced the venerable old adventure bike from yesteryear, in an all-new package and livery.

Mimi and Moto: The Motorcycle Monkeys

Posted by Rob Brooks | Nov 16, 2022 | Ride Life |

I first met Mark Augustyn of Little Rider Enterprises at the final race weekend of the 2022 MotoAmerica Road racing series at Barber Motorsports Park. I was familiar with the book series, having seen them in MotoAmerica‘s merchandise tents over the years and at other events around the Southeast. Mark and I talked extensively that weekend about his and Nancy’s inspiration for the book series, and the hopes they had for its future.

Legendary Bikes: Kawasaki KZ650

Posted by Rob Brooks | Nov 7, 2022 | Legendary Bikes, Ride Life |

As we swung our truck and trailer around in the cul-de-sac and parked, I could already see it down Tom’s driveway. Glimmering, almost glowing in the late afternoon sun filtering through the golden leaves of autumn, sat the motorcycle of my youthful dreams- a fully restored 1978 Kawasaki KZ650. Tom, the owner, met me in the driveway and proceeded to share the unique story behind this bike I was about to buy and trailer home. “It looks just like one I owned while I was in college,” Tom told me. “I loved that bike, hated to sell it, and always hoped I’d find another one someday.”

Legendary Bikes: Motus MST

Posted by Rob Brooks | Oct 12, 2022 | Legendary Bikes |

At the recent MotoAmerica season finale at Barber Motorsports Park, I was invited by Neale Bayly to attend a gathering in the museum’s Advanced Design Center. In the course of the evening, after chatting with various moto-dignitaries, I took notice of the Motus MST-R on display. Instantly I was transported back to the day I spent riding one of those amazing motorcycles and touring the Motus plant in Birmingham, Alabama with founders Brian Case and Lee Conn. Brian is now with the Advanced Design Center, and we talked for a few minutes about my experiences that unforgettable day back in 2017, how enthralled I had been with the first American-designed and built four cylinder street motorcycle since World War II.

A Chat With Josh Hayes

Posted by Rob Brooks | Oct 10, 2022 | Industry & Racing, Ride Life |

For those who have ever followed American motorcycle road racing, Josh Hayes is a familiar name and face. The four-time AMA Superbike champion and his wife Melissa Paris have established themselves as motorcycle racing royalty here in the States, setting/breaking records, leading successful race teams, coaching younger riders, and were even featured in the already iconic motorcycling movie, “Why We Ride”. Neither needs any introduction.